BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
In a major step toward advancing drone technology and aviation safety in Nigeria, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has officially issued a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) Operator Certificate to Starwing Aviation Limited.
The effort marka a major milestone in the country’s quest to become Africa’s hub for drone innovation.
The certificate was presented on June 3, 2025, by the Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Capt. Chris Najomo, at the NCAA headquarters in Abuja, following what was described as a rigorous and comprehensive certification process.
Describing the event as a “significant achievement,” Captain Najomo commended Starwing Aviation for meeting the regulatory requirements but stressed the importance of continuous adherence to safety and operational standards.
“This certificate is a testament to your hard work, but maintaining it through strict compliance is even more critical,” he said.
Highlighting the thorough nature of the certification process, Engineer Godwin Balang, Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards, noted that security, operational safety, and bird strike prevention were key areas of focus during the assessment.
“Every phase of the process was carefully observed to ensure that operational and safety standards were not compromised,” he stated.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Harold Demuren, a veteran in Nigeria’s aviation sector, hailed the certification as a pivotal move toward positioning the country as a continental leader in drone operations.
“We thank the NCAA for this pivotal step towards making Nigeria the centre for drone operations in Africa,” he said.
“I am confident that Starwing Aviation will uphold the highest levels of compliance at every stage of its operations.”
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Kunmi Demuren, Managing Director of Starwing Aviation, expressed appreciation to the NCAA leadership and technical team for their cooperation and support throughout the certification process.
“We are deeply grateful to Capt. Najomo, Engr. Balang, and the entire NCAA licensing team for their guidance and dedication,” he said.
The certification of Starwing Aviation signals a growing recognition of the importance of RPAS in Nigeria’s airspace and is expected to further enhance the nation’s reputation as a forward-looking player in the global drone ecosystem.
